Description
Exploring Hand-building
Ryder Gordon
9 Mondays, 1pm-4pm
March 23 – May 18. No class Memorial Day, however class includes access to open studio until May 30
$445 ($425 with Early Bird pricing until February 21
Learn three traditional hand-building methods – pinch, coil, and slab. Ryder uses all of these techniques in combination to create his larger geometric and figurative works. The course will begin with an exploration of these methods for smaller works: small pinch pots, combining pinch pots to create hollow forms, cups and bowls. Next, we will work with slabs to create a variety of pottery forms including cups/mugs, plates, bowls, etc. Working with slabs will help teach the aspiring potter about the importance of moisture level and drying time. Wet clay is ideal for the wheel and coil-building, while slab construction can require more stiffness and attention to the drying process. We will spend a chunk of time on the coil-building technique, working on our skills at forming larger, thin-walled but sturdy coil pots or sculptures. Ryder will encourage students to attempt shapes that push the boundaries of their normal repertoire. When building with coils we can achieve a never-ending variety of shapes, limited only by our imagination. Ryder believes that through coil-building we can free ourselves from the constraints mandated by the wheel, always spinning, round and round…
*All classes include 25 pounds of clay, and the glazing and firing of those 25#, though we encourage you to pay what you can for this material, as costs continue to rise. You will be provided an option on checkout to pay for your clay. Additional clay may be purchased if needed.
Classes also include ample access to the studio during posted open studio hours. Ceramics is an art form that benefits from practice and social time outside of class time.
Refunds will not be given within one week of the beginning of class. A $25 processing fee will be retained from any refund. If a class must be cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be given.
